ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
Indian Army Establishes Quantum Laboratory at Mhow 
The Indian Army is making steady, yet significant strides in the field of emerging technology domains. The Army, with support from the National Security Council Secretariat  has recently established the Quantum Lab at Military College of Telecommunication Engineering, Mhow  MCTE to spearhead research and training in this key developing field. Gen MM Naravane, the Chief of Army Staff was briefed on the facility during his recent visit to Mhow.
Indian Army has also established an Artificial Intelligence  Centre at the same institution with over 140 deployments in forward areas and active support of industry and academia. Training on cyber warfare is being imparted through a state of art cyber range, and cyber security labs. Ideation for Army's involvement in Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations was done in a seminar on Electromagnetic Spectrum and National Security organised in October last year. Since then, an impetus has been given to Indian Army’s Technology Institutions for investing in AI, Quantum and Cyber.
Research undertaken by Indian Army in the field of Quantum Technology will help leapfrog into next generation communication and transform the current system of cryptography in the Indian Armed Forces to Post Quantum Cryptography . Key thrust areas are Quantum Key Distribution, Quantum Communication, Quantum Computing and Post Quantum Cryptography
By undertaking a multi-stakeholder approach incorporating Academia , DRDO organisations, Research Institutes, Corporate firms, Startups and Industry players, this initiative is an apt example of Civil Military fusion with Atmanirbhar Bharat a key driving factor. Requisite timelines based objectives with adequate funding have been worked out for projects and progressive fielding of solutions in Indian Army is expected on a fast track basis.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
197.11 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
India's Active caseload currently stands at 94,420
Active cases stand at 0.22%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.57%
15,208 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 4,27,87,606
17,073 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
86.10 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 3,03,604 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Ministry of Rural Development
Status of PMGSY Roads
More than 40,000 roads with road length of over 2.10 lakh kms built in more than five years
Various impact assessment studies reveal that PMGSY has helped in substantial mitigation of poverty and unemployment
The details of roads completed in the last five years and current year under various interventions/verticals of PMGSY are as under:
|
|
Year
|
|
No. of roads
|
|
Road length 
|
|
2017-18
|
|
9,260
|
|
48,670
|
|
2018-19
|
|
8,586
|
|
48,093
|
|
2019-20
|
|
8,678
|
|
27,305
|
|
2020-21
|
|
5,581
|
|
36,687
|
|
2021-22
|
|
6,539
|
|
41,971
|
|
2022-23

|
|
1,883
|
|
7,513
|
|
Total
|
|
40,527
|
|
2,10,239
Further, as on 14th July 2022, 13217 no. of roads measuring 65,320 km are ongoing under various interventions/verticals of PMGSY.
Various impact assessment studies that have been carried out by Independent Agencies have concluded that PMGSY has helped in better access to market place for the rural communities and generated employments in various forms. It has also helped in also accessing various social services such as those relating to education and health. Resultant impact of these improvements has been substantial mitigation of poverty and unemployment. The results of some of recent evaluations are listed below:
An evaluation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes in Rural Development Sector, including Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana was carried out by the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office  of NITI Aayog in 2020. The following are the main findings of this study:
 It was found that the scheme is well aligned with India’s international goals and is seen to contribute to SDGs  2 & 9 as it addresses the issues of poverty, hunger and infrastructure for growth.
 Roads constructed under PMGSY have been observed to create positive impacts at both at level of the household and the community.
The roads have been observed to increase access to market and livelihood opportunities, health and education facilities.
 PMGSY is noted to build the foundations for long-lasting poverty reduction in rural India. Improved rural connectivity provides a long-term and sustained boost in the living standards of rural populations as it allows households to accumulate wealth and human capital.
An impact evaluation study was conducted by World Bank, 2018, the main findings of which are as follows:-
- The crops taken to the markets for sale from PMGSY roads increased by 8%.
- Rate of primary employment in non-farm sector increased by about 13%
- Share of people with primary employment outside their habitation increased by 8%
- Share of babies delivered at home decreased by 30% in connected habitations
Moreover, IIM-Ahmadabad, in its study titled “Outcome Monitoring System under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana , July 2017, ” concluded that the construction of PMGSY road was able to bring about socio- economic change in the life of the poor at par with the other sections of society and sometimes even more than that.
This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Rural Development, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Minority Affairs
Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi interacts with prominent people of Christian community from across the country in New Delhi today.
Forced religious conversion cannot be a testament of expansion and trust on any religion in a country where both, believers and atheists coexist: Naqvi
It is our collective national responsibility to ensure that India’s culture of tolerance and commitment of co-existence is not allowed to get weakened: Naqvi
Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has said that forced religious conversion cannot be a testament of expansion and trust on any religion in a country where both, believers and atheists coexist.
Interacting with prominent people of the Christian community from across the country here today, Shri Naqvi said that both the believers and the atheists have equal constitutional and social rights and protection in India.
Shri Naqvi said that while on one hand, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, Jews, Baha'is, and believers of almost all other religions of the world live in India, on the other hand, crores of atheists also exist in the country with equal constitutional and social rights.
He said that India is the only country in the world where festivals and other joyous occasions of all the religions are celebrated together. We need to keep this shared cultural heritage and legacy of co-existence strengthened. Any attempt to disturb this fabric of unity and harmony will hurt the soul of India.
The Minister said that followers of almost all the religions of the world live in India and constitutional and social guarantee and safety of their religious, social, economic, educational rights is the beauty of our strength of "Unity in Diversity".
Shri Naqvi asserted that it is our collective national responsibility to ensure that India’s culture of tolerance and commitment of co-existence is not allowed to get weakened under any circumstances.
He stated that religious bigotry and in-tolerance can never hurt India as our country is the world's largest centre of spiritual-religious knowledge, and also the source of inspiration for "Sarva Dharma Sambhav" and "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam".
Minister of State for Minority Affairs Shri John Barla, Chairman, National Commission for Minorities Sardar Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs Ms. Renuka Kumar, Arch Bishop Anil Joseph, Bishop Subodh C. Mandal and other prominent people from religious, social, educational, health and art & culture fields from across the country were present on the occasion.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Union Health Secretary leads pledge to keep away from Tobacco on ‘World No Tobacco Day’ 2022
“Tobacco: Threat to our Environment” – the theme of the “World No Tobacco Day” 2022
A Pocket book on Standard Treatment Guidelines for Substance Use Disorders and Behavioural Addictions and Mobile app “Addiction-Rx” was launched
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India organized a virtual event to observe World No Tobacco Day 2022 on 31st of May 2022. The theme of World No Tobacco Day this year is “Tobacco: Threat to our Environment.” The event was chaired by Shri Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, along with Smt. Roli Singh, Additional Secretary & Mission Director, MoHFW; Prof. Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services and other senior officers of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Following activities took place on this occasion:
The winners of “Quit Tobacco Be A Hero Campaign” were felicitated. This campaign was undertaken by National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences , Bengaluru, with an objective;
- To provide a platform to tobacco users to share their narrative of quitting or attempting to quit through a self-made video and
- Promotion of the National Tobacco Quitline Toll-Free 1800-11-2356 and m-Cessation services.
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India in collaboration with MyGov, organized the online competitions, viz. Poster Making/Slogan writing; Video Making and Essay Writing, during the last year’s World No Tobacco Day, 2021. These online competitions received huge response, across the country from youth as well as general citizens. The winners of these competitions were also felicitated.
The WNTD 2022 event also provided a platform for release of Pocket book on Standard Treatment Guidelines for Substance Use Disorders and Behavioural Addictions and Mobile APP  “Addiction-Rx” for assisting physicians to provide quality care in substance use disorders, under Drug De-Addiction Programme.
Secretary along with senior officers of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare; State Government officers as well as partner organizations, took a “No Tobacco Pledge”.
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, has enabled a provision for taking Online “No Tobacco Pledge”, through MyGov platform. States & Union Territories and all stakeholders have been requested to disseminate the Pledge widely and encourage maximum participation in the No Tobacco Pledge campaign from 31st May, 2022 to 21st June, 2022.
Link for No Tobacco Pledge: https://pledge.mygov.in/no-tobacco-2022/
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Rejuvenation of National Ganga River
Cleaning of river is a continuous process and Government of India is supplementing the efforts of the State Government in addressing the challenges of pollution in river Ganga and its tributaries by providing financial and technical assistance under Namami Gange Programme. Under this Programme, a diverse set of interventions for cleaning and rejuvenation of river Ganga have been taken up including waste water treatment, solid waste management, river front management , maintaining continuous flow, rural sanitation, afforestation, biodiversity conservation and Public Participation etc. Namami Gange is a scientific programme based on Ganga River Basin Management Plan  which was prepared by a consortium of 7 IITs led by IIT-Kanpur.
Under Namami Gange Programme, so far, a total of 357 projects have been sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs.30,780 crore and 178 projects have been completed and made operational. Out of these 357 projects, 157 sewerage infrastructure projects have been taken up with a sanctioned cost of Rs.24,249 crore for creation and rehabilitation of 4952 MLD of Sewage Treatment Plant  capacity and laying of 5212 km of sewerage network, out of this 74 projects have been completed resulting in creation and rehabilitation of 1092 MLD of STP capacity and laying of 3752 km sewerage network.
On the Ganga main stem towns  , projects have been taken up to create 3341 MLD sewerage treatment capacity against generation of 2953 MLD . The STP capacity in the main stem have increased from 1305 MLD  to 2372 MLD . 42 projects have been taken up in towns located along river Yamuna, Hindon, Kali , Ramganga, Saryu, Gomti, Chambal, Rispana-Bindal, Dhela, Kharkai, Son, Kosi, Damodar, Banka and Barakar.
Development of Ghats & Crematoria works in select cities have been taken up. 62 projects  were sanctioned for construction of 210 ghats and 57 crematoria. Out of these, 177 ghats and 46 crematoria have been completed.
The multiple projects and interventions taken up under “Namami Gange” programme have led to marked improvement in water quality across various erstwhile polluted stretches of river Ganga. As per Central Pollution Control Board  report of 2018, there were four pollution stretches on main stem of river Ganga . Whereas, as per the CPCB data of 2021, no stretch falls under in higher pollution level  and only 2 stretches falls under Priority V .
The details of the expenditure since 2014 under the “Namami Gange Programme” on various projects and interventions are tabulated below:
|
|
Financial Year
|
|
Expenditure

|
|
2014-15
|
|
170.99
|
|
2015-16
|
|
602.60
|
|
2016-17
|
|
1,062.81
|
|
2017-18
|
|
1,625.01
|
|
2018-19
|
|
2,626.54
|
|
2019-20
|
|
2,673.09
|
|
2020-21
|
|
1,339.97
|
|
2021-22

|
|
606.01
|
|
Total
|
|
10,707.03
This Information was given by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Bishweswar Tudu in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves continuation of Rastriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram Scheme for the Period 2017-18 to 2019-2020
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the continuation of Rastriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram Scheme for the Period 2017-18 to 2019-2020 with budget outlay of Rs.1160 crore as recommended by EFC.
Features:
During 12th FYP period, in rationalization exercise undertaken in consultation with Ministry of Finance and NITI Aayog, the eight schemes were brought under the umbrella scheme of Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram as sub-schemes. This has helped in achieving better synergies between the Schemes and thereby, improves their effectiveness and help in achieving better outcomes with the available resources. The Scheme beneficiaries are the youth in the age-group of 15-29 years, in line with the definition of 'youth' in the National Youth Policy, 2014. In case of programme components specifically meant for the adolescents, the age-group is 10-19 years.
Following are eight sub-schemes under Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram:
- Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan;
- National Youth Corps ;
- National Programme for Youth & Adolescent Development ;
- International Cooperation;
- Youth Hostels ;
- Assistance to Scouting & Guiding Organizations;
- National Discipline Scheme ; and
- National Young Leaders Programme .
Background:
The Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram Scheme is an ongoing Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and has been continuing since 12th Five Year Plan. The Scheme aims to develop the personality and leadership qualities of the youth and to engage them in nation building activities.
AKT/SH
(Visitor Counter : 2899
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Dr. Jitendra Singh lays foundation stones online for various works being undertaken under PMGSY-II in J&K
28 roads costing around Rs 175 crore under PMGSY-II to be constructed in various parts of Jammu & Kashmir
The Union Minister of State , Development of North Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today laid foundation stones online for various construction works being undertaken under PMGSY-II in J&K. The projects include 28 roads costing around Rs 175 crore under PMGSY-II to be constructed in various parts of Jammu & Kashmir which includes the roads from Chanunta Khas to Bhuktrian Khas, Falata to Bikhan Gala, Arnas to Thakrakote, Ramnagar to Dudu, Pouni to Kund amongst the other roads inaugurated today.
While e-inaugurating these projects, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that Jammu and Kashmir has ranked 2nd in terms of performance under PMGSY II after Himachal Pradesh. Elaborating further, he said that roads are lifeline of a developing nation which will bring benefits in various sectors like education, health, marketing of agricultural produce and will bring many social benefits as well.
Dr. Singh reiterated that Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has emphasised upon all to dedicate completed development projects to people of the country without waiting for its formal inauguration. He said that the Government gave primacy to people’s needs and that people should not face difficulties of any kind for the sake of formal inauguration of various developmental projects. He emphasized that the culture of transparency will be promoted at all levels. Dr. Singh said that the inauguration of these projects has reinforced Government’s commitment in completing all projects in a time bound manner that have started in the last six years notwithstanding various hurdles like the Covid19 crisis.
On the eve of the anniversary to the formation of UT of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh , Dr. Singh said that the last year has witnessed lot of developments on various fronts i.e. political developments at grass roots level , administrative and governance reforms and sectoral developments like education sector, power sector and road sector.
He further complimented the UT Government of J&K working in close coordination with Central Government and said the that the Government will fully support in case any issues and constraints being faced by the UT J&K administration.
Principal Secretary, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, various government officials from district administration of Jammu, Doda, Kathua, Kishtwar, Reasi, Udhampur and Ramban also attended the video conference.
<><><><><>
SNC/AK
(Visitor Counter : 817
Prime Minister's Office
PM expresses shock at news of terrorist attacks in Israel
India stands in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour: PM
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep shock by news of terrorist attacks in Israel. He remarked that India stands in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour and thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families.
The Prime Minister posted on X:
“Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour.”
Ministry of Defence
"Virtual reality centre" a reality - shall boost indigenous warship design capabilities
Admiral Sunil Lanba, PVSM, AVSM, ADC the Chief of the Naval Staff, inaugurated the maiden ‘state-of-the-art’ Virtual Reality Centre  at the Directorate of Naval Design , today. This centre would provide major boost to the Indigenous warship design capabilities of Indian Navy, providing impetus to self-reliance and greater fillip to warship construction under “Make in India” initiative of the Indian government.
During his address at inauguration ceremony, Admiral Lanba complimented the Directorate for their untiring efforts, foresight and initiatives to conceptualise design and execute the project. This project will facilitate collaborative design reviews for continuous interaction between the designers and the end users to improve design and ergonomics onboard warships.
Directorate of Naval Design  had a humble beginning in 1960s and since then has made major contributions towards indigenous warship design capabilities of the Indian Navy improving self-reliance for warship design and construction. The multi-disciplinary team has successfully developed 19 warship designs on which more than 90 platforms have been constructed todate.
___________________________________________________________________
DKS/AC 36/19
(Visitor Counter : 2112
Ministry of Textiles
6th India International Silk Fair Inaugurated
Smriti Zubin Irani inaugurating India International Silk Fair in New Delhi
Union Minister of Textiles, Smriti Zubin Irani, inaugurated the 6th India International Silk Fair  at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi today. Among those present on the occasion was Ambassador of Vietnam to India, Pham Sanh Chau.
108 exhibitors from all over the country including 10 from North East and 9 from J&K are participating in the 3-day fair. 147 buyers registered their presence in the fair today. The largest contingent of buyers is from Vietnam followed by Sri Lanka, Australia, Kuwait and Egypt.
India is the 2nd largest producer of silk after China and is emerging as a leading exporter. The Indian products are in demand in USA, UK, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.
The 3-days exhibition is expected to generate business of over USD 20 million for the SMEs engaged in producing silk and silk blended garments, fabrics, accessories and floor covering.
The Indian Silk Export Promotion Council is also organizing B2B meeting of participants with buyers and a Fashion Show of the participants.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves moving a Resolution in the first Assembly of the International Solar Alliance  for amending the Framework Agreement of the ISA for opening up the ISA membership to all countries that are members of the United Nations
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given ex-post facto approval for moving a Resolution in the first Assembly of the International Solar Alliance  for amending the Framework Agreement of the ISA for opening up the ISA membership to all countries that are members of the United Nations.
Benefits:
Opening the membership of the ISA will put solar energy in global agenda with the universal appeal for developing and deploying solar energy. It will make ISA inclusive, whereby all member countries that are members of the United Nations could become member. Expanding membership will lead to ISA initiative benefitting the world at large.
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates Bhupendra Patel on taking oath as CM of Gujarat
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Shri Bhupendra Patel on taking oath as Chief Minister of Gujarat. He also praised Vijay Rupani Ji and said that during his five years as CM, Vijay Rupani Ji has undertaken many people-friendly measures. He worked tirelessly for all sections of society.
In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said;
"Congratulations to Bhupendra Bhai on taking oath as CM of Gujarat. I have known him for years and have seen his exemplary work, be it in the BJP Organisation or in civic administration and community service. He will certainly enrich Gujarat’s growth trajectory. @Bhupendrapbjp
During his five years as CM, Vijay Rupani Ji has undertaken many people-friendly measures. He worked tirelessly for all sections of society. I am certain he will continue to contribute to public service in the times to come. @vijayrupanibjp"